Actress Kim Hye Yoon has spoken out about the painful struggles she endured during seven years of obscurity before becoming one of Korea’s most respected stars, sharing stories of relentless auditions, harsh criticism and even physical injuries as she struggled to build her career. His heartfelt reflections have sparked a wave of admiration and support from fans around the world.
Kim first entered the industry at just 17 years old, making her debut as a child actress in the 2013 KBS2 drama Samsaengi. Over the next few years, he went through a busy period with small, unnamed background roles, playing minor parts without dialogue, and balancing his studies. Her breakthrough came in 2018 with JTBC’s hit series SKY Castle, where she secured the role of Kang Ye Seo, a star student with dreams of medical school at Seoul National University. Selected from 200 hopefuls, Kim captivated audiences with her powerful performance, earning the Best New Actress award at the 55th Baeksang Arts Awards and cementing her status as a rising star.
After SKY Castle, Kim has appeared in a wide range of projects, including MBC’s Extraordinary You, tvN’s Secret Royal Inspector & Joy, JTBC’s Snowdrop and films such as Midnight, The Girl on a Bulldozer and Ditto. Her fame rose even further with the huge success of tvN’s Lovely Runner in 2024, where her nuanced performance was praised for its emotional depth and versatility. The series gained global attention after streaming on Netflix, turning Kim and co-star Byeon Woo Seok into internationally recognized stars.
Despite the bright spotlight she enjoys today, Kim’s early years were far from easy. Long before his breakthrough, he endured years of uncredited supporting roles, commuting by bus and subway while juggling acting work with his film studies at Konkuk University. Known as a diligent student, she never took a leave of absence and graduated on schedule as a scholarship student, a decision she later attributed to anxiety over an uncertain future. Faced with repeated rejections and the fear that her dream might never be realized, she set herself the goal of completing her education without delay.
A student at her university recalled, “When people talked about the best acting of her senior year, Kim Hye Yoon was always the first name mentioned. Everyone said, ‘Look at her eyes, she’s destined for greatness.'” Her classmates admired her dedication both on set and in the classroom.
Recently, a collection of photos from Kim’s youth posted by tvN’s You Quiz on the Block sparked excitement online. Fans were enchanted by her bright eyes, clear smile and familiar dimples, proof that her charm was evident even as a child.
During her appearance on You Quiz on January 14, Kim shared more about her difficult early days. She revealed that over 100 auditions during her seven-year struggle often ended in rejection, sometimes accompanied by harsh criticism such as: “Your pronunciation may be good, but you lack acting skills, you’re still an amateur.” She admitted crying on public transport after difficult days and enduring long waits on set, including 24-hour night standby shifts and cancellations after nine hours of waiting. He also said he lost a fingernail to frostbite during a grueling shoot, a vivid symbol of how far he’s come.
Looking back, Kim said she would have told her younger self, “You’re doing great.” She reflected that her struggles were not wasted, they shaped her resilience and pushed her forward, helping her grow not only as an actress, but as a person.
Kim Hye Yoon currently appears in the SBS drama No Tail to Tell, which premiered on January 16. The series, a whimsical fantasy romance, follows the unexpected journey of a reluctant fox spirit and an overly confident soccer player. He will also appear in Good Partner 2 (SBS) and films including A Place to Kill and Land.
As she continues to take on different roles, fans and critics alike are eager to see what new impact this rising star will have, reminding us that perseverance, even in the most difficult years, can ultimately lead to extraordinary success.
Sources: Daum
